A review of wearable video displays for the iPod

Being able to take your favorite videos with you wherever you go is great, but …

Comparisons

Easiest to use

myvu: Neither are particularly difficult to learn and use, but the myvu is the easiest to get started on by a hair. I wouldn't be worried about my parents figuring out how to use the myvu, whereas they might run into a little trouble with the iWear. Nothing that they couldn't figure out by looking at the manual, though.

Best viewing experience

iWear: After some excruciating decision-making in this category, I'm going with the iWear. However, this category should really be named "Viewing Experienced that Sucked Less." Neither offered "better" video quality than the other. Although the myvu's video connection was much more stable and not prone to jiggling the cord or other movement, the iWear's viewer was slightly more immersive, usable with glasses without an extra add-on, and the "screen" was bigger.

Again, neither option was particularly impressive in this category. Even average video watchers might be put off by the exceptionally low video resolution offered by both, not to mention the washed out colors.

Best audio experience

myvu: The myvu wins the audio category, hands down. As I said earlier, the included earbuds are at least decent and offer the same or better listening experience than the new version of the iPod headphones, while the iWear provides noticeably worse audio quality.

Best battery life

myvu: Again, myvu wins here, hands down. The included battery pack more than doubles (in the case of the 30GB iPod) the amount of time you can spend watching videos, and it's optional depending on how much bulk you're willing to put up with at the time. You can even use it without the viewer, which makes it a handy iPod accessory for regular, non-video-viewing use.

Most compatible

iWear: iWear has to win this one for the sole reason that it can connect to multiple devices that offer audio/video out of a 3.5mm jack—this version of the myvu can only connect to the iPod.

Least nerdy looking

Tie: Sorry, there is no possible way to wear either of these without looking like a huge doofus. It's a draw.

Price

myvu: For non-glasses wearers or those with contacts, the myvu's entire package comes in at $100 less than the iWear at $299 compared to $399. With the Rx add-on for the myvu, the prices are nearly identical.

Best overall wearable video solutio

myvu: The myvu offers the best value and offers a decent viewing experience. In this game, that's apparently all you can really ask for. The myvu has a slightly sleeker display, a nicer remote, better audio quality, comes with a hard case, a regular and auto charger, and a battery pack. The iWear comes with the viewer, a mediocre controller, a regular charger, and that's it. If the "screen" size is the most important thing to you or you want to use it with some other device rather than the iPod, then go for the iWear. Otherwise, myvu wins.

The honest truth...

To be honest, I don't know if I'd spend $300-400 on either of these for myself. My overall recommendation? Wait until better-quality solutions come out.